Early Literacy By Six: A Snapshot
Your child is growing up so fast these days. Elementary school is the beginning of their official journal through the education system where they will truly get to put their reading and writing skills to the test. Phonics becomes the hot topic of the day alongside spelling new words. At 72 months your child will start to show the following skills:
Reading:
Realizes that words can be broken down into smaller parts based on sounds (e.g., ba-by, cup-cake, rainbow)
Begins to count syllables in short words words they know well.
Names printed letters in the alphabet (A to Z) and numbers (generally 1 to 10).
May know that letters have sounds and may know the sounds that some letters make (e.g., ‘buh’ for B and ‘sss’ for S).
Says first sounds in spoken words (‘dog’ begins with ‘d’ sound).
Begins to point to specific letters on a page they know. Can often be letters they remember from their own name.
May attempt to read some unfamiliar words.
Writing:
Uses one to three letters to spell words (e.g., ‘p’ for purple, ‘tn’ for train, or ‘pte’ for pretty).
Spells words as they sound (e.g., ‘letl’ for little and ‘egl’ for eagle).
Tips & Tricks:
Reading:
Reading Outside The Home:
Talk about what you are going to do, what you are doing and what you did. Talking helps to model for your child the words and phrases need for reading and writing.
Show your child printed words that are all around you (e.g., street signs, restaurants, logos, brands, etc.).
Go to the library and help your child pick out books.
Sing songs and listen to nursery rhymes in the car.
Talk about the things you are reading (books, recipes, newspapers, etc.)
Talk about looking for a number to call, reading the rules for board games, or reading text messages from friends.
When Sitting Down to Read:
Point to words, especially new or unfamiliar ones.
Talk about the printed words like “this word starts with a “b” and this one ends with a “t“.
Ask your child questions. WH-question can be a good place to start (what/when/where/etc.).
Ask about what just happened (retelling)/what might happen next in the story (prediction).
Read different types of books (e.g., fairy tales, nursery rhymes, alphabet & numbers books, picture books).
Read books that repeat words and phrases.
Play sound or word guessing games like “I’m thinking of a word that begins with ‘s’, can you think of one?” (things like I Spy are perfect examples).
Hang alphabet letters where your child can see them. Name the letters and ask your child to say them too.
Writing
Give your child different types of stationary/letter resources (pencils, crayons, markers, sidewalk chalk, wooden blocks with letters, etc.)
Let your child have time to scribble, draw, or write each day.
Show your child how you write in the world of adults (e.g., signing your name, writing to-do lists, sending texts/emails, etc.)
Help your child with the skills needed for writing. Activities like arts and crafts, jigsaw puzzles and bead stringing can help with coordination.
Add your kid’s name to their pictures and drawings. Display the proudly on the fridge for guests to see.
Ask your child to tell a story about a drawing. Write the words/phrases they say to show them how to recall a story in writing.
Please note the above information is general in nature and is not intended as professional medical advice. Please seek an appointment with a registered speech-language pathologist if you are at all worried about your child's development.
References:
P Roth, F. (2006). Getting Your Child Ready for Reading and Writing. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. https://www.asha.org/siteassets/uploadedFiles/Getting-Your-Child-Ready-Reading-and-Writing
Speech Pathology Australia (2024). Literacy and Communication. www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au. https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Communication_Hub/Resources/Fact_Sheets/Literacy_and_communication.aspx
Suggested Resources
FREEBIE Hickory Dickory Dock: Auditory Comprehension
A classic nursery rhyme auditory comprehension and WH question activity for early learners.
FREEBIE The Gingerbread Man: Reading Comprehension
A classic fairy tale reading comprehension and sequencing activity for early readers.